Volunteers

Be a part of the Cathedral Community

The Cathedral relies heavily on its team of volunteers to provide a warm Ministry of Welcome to its many worshippers and visitors. Volunteering at the Cathedral can be extremely rewarding, whether you contribute as a Flower Arranger, Holy Duster, Bellringer, Steward or Cathedral Assistant / Guide.

Volunteering for the Visits Department

Before the Reformation in 1540, the Cathedral was a community of Benedictine monks. One of the Benedictine rules was to welcome all visitors as if you were welcoming Christ himself. We continue to welcome visitors according to this Benedictine rule and our staff and team of volunteer Assistants, Welcomers, Guides, Treasury Custodians and Chaplains are responsible for offering our visitors a high quality visitor experience and warm welcome. We run an annual training course for new volunteers from early January to end March, and please contact the Visitor Services Manager, Simon Nichols, if you are interested. If you are a linguist, you are especially welcome!

Volunteering for the Save Canterbury Cathedral Appeal

In October 2006 an urgent fundraising Appeal was launched to raise £50 million over the next 5 years to save Canterbury Cathedral. Extensive and costly work is needed to conserve the Cathedral's stonemasonry, stained glass windows and lead roof. Major development projects are also required to take the Cathedral into the 21st Century.

There are various opportunities available to assist with the Appeal and these include Office Assistants, Collection Box Co-ordinators, Event Helpers and Appeal Representatives who would visit local groups to give talks or accept cheques on behalf of the charity. Other opportunities are available, for more information please visit the volunteer section of the Save Canterbury Cathedral web pages.

Other Volunteers

It is not only with Visitor welcome that volunteers are involved.  There are also the Holy Stitchers, a group of ladies who, amongst other things, maintain the beautiful vestments worn by the clergy.

The Holy Dusters help the Vesturer’s department clean the cathedral, the stewards who assist with the seating for all major and special services, and the Flower Group arranges magnificent floral displays, excelling themselves on special occasions such as the Enthronement of the Archbishop and the Royal Maundy Service.

The thriving Sunday School is also run by voluntary helpers.